40 homes to be created in Laois on back of funding for derelict properties

An estimated 40 new homes will be created in Laois following the targeted funding by the government to tackle vacant and derelict properties. 

Laois was approved €2m last year through the third round of the government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD updated cabinet on the progress made this week. 

The figures show that 12 vacant and derelict properties in Laois have been approved funding under the scheme with an estimated 40 residential units to be provided as a result of regenerating these properties. 

Nationally more than 1,200 vacant and derelict properties have been granted approval under the third round of URDF. 

The fund is available to all Local Authorities to cover the purchase price of properties (residential and commercial) and any minor works required to make the property more suitable for sale e.g. improving access, tidying up, opening up to facilitate inspections etc. 

Acquired properties are then offered for private sale to those who in return will commit to bringing the property back into residential use. Purchasers of these properties are also able to defray the costs of returning them to use by accessing the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, the SEAI energy efficiency grants or the Repair and Leasing Scheme subject to eligibility. 

Commenting Minister O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to update Cabinet on the success of the third round of funding under the URDF. The response from Local Authorities has been huge with more than 1,200 properties in town centre locations identified and approved funding which amounts to just over €142M. This Government have placed a huge emphasis on the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns all across the country and as I travel around Ireland it’s heartening to see the impact of the various initiatives which are underway to transform towns and cities.”

Minister Dillon added: “The URDF has been a real game-changer for our towns and cities, breathing new life into them and making them even better places to work in, to live in and to visit. Urban regeneration isn’t a luxury, but a real necessity for the beating heart of our urban centres and I’m delighted to see it in action across so many counties.”